Connections between rigid and flexible bodies



April 13, 1965 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,178,050

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RIGID AND FLEXIBLE BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledNov. 29, 1960 April 13, 1965 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS 3,178,050

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RIGID AND FLEXIBLE BODIES Filed Nov. 29,1960 5Sheets-Sheet 2 Je fij. if@ F/ G'. 5

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April 13, 1965 CONNECTIONS BETWEEN Filed NOV. 29, 1960 E. H.DQERPINGHAUS RIGID AND FLEXIBLE BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 13, 1965E. H. DOERPNGHAUS CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RIGID AND FLEXIBLE BODIES FiledNOV. 29,. 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 13, 1965 E. H. DOERPINGHAUS3,178,050

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RIGID AND FLEXIBLE BODIES Filed Nov. 29, 1960 5Sheets-Sheet, 5

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United States Patent O 3,178,050 CNNECTINS BETWEEN RGED AND FLEXEBLEBQDES Ernst Hans Doerpinghaas, Hamburg, Germany, assigner to ContainerPatent Co., tG.m.b.H., Hamburg, Germany Filed Nov. Z9, 1%0, Ser. No.72,363 Claims priority, application Germany, tlan. 21, 196),

s claims. (bi. 22a-s) The present invention relates to improvements inconnections between rigid and flexible bodies, and more particularly toconnections which a-re especially suited for securing flexiblecomponents to rigid components in co1- lapsible containers.

An important object of the invention is to provide a connection which isequally suited for securing a tubular ilexi-ble component to a rigidcomponent or for providing a firm joint -between a cable-like flexiblecomponent and a rigid component.

Another object of the invention is to provide a permanent connectionbetween a rigid component and a flexible component which may be formedlat a very -low cost, which may be utilized for the formation ofpermanent Ibonds between materials of widely different characteristics,and which can withstand very high stresses, for example, the stressesarising when a heavily loaded ilexible container is towed in turbulentwaters.

A further object of my invention is to provide a connection of the aboveoutlined characteristics which is especially' suited for permanentlyanchoring the end portions of a tubular flexible component in the rigidcornponents of a collapsible container, and which is equally useful forsecuring the ends of cable-like suspending de- -vices in the rigidcomponents of such containers.

An additional :object of the instant invention is to provide aconnection of the above descri ed type which is equally useful forsecuring reinforced and/or non-reinforced flexible components to therigid components of a collapsible container.

A concomitant object -o-f the invention is to provide a connection whichis completely duid-tight, which can withstand the chemical and/orphysical action of all types of cargo, and ywhich will withstand .thechanges in temperature arising when the container is in actual use.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a collapsible`container which embodies a connection of the above outlinedcharacteristics.

A further object of the invention is to provide a container whosellexible component or components are permanently `bonded to its rigidcomponents.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a container whereinthe connections between the flexible and rigid components require nomechanical elements and are capable of organically bonding thecomponents to each other so that they can remain unchanged forpractically unlimited periods of time.

With the above `objects in view, the invention resides in the provisionof a connection in the form of a suspending arrangement which comprisesa hard plastic body or iiller preferably consisting of a thermoplasticsynthetic material which is permanently bonded to the flexible componentand which is preferably permanently anchored in and secured to the rigidcomponent. In one of its preferred forms, the hard filler is anchored ina preferably conical space of and is actually bonded to the rigidcomponent. The radial dimension of the -liller increases in a directionaway from the exible component so that the ller acts as a wedge and iseven more firmly retained in the rigid component when the forces tendingto separate the two components increase. Alternately, the filler may bemerely anchored in a cylindrical or con- ICC ical space provided in .therigid component, i.e., it need not actually adhere to the adjacent wallsof the rigid component.

The improved connection may provide an exceptionally strong jointbetween a rigid component and a flexible component if the latter isformed by or includes longitudinally and/or diagonally extendingthreads, such as textile threads, synthetic plastic filaments ormetallic wires. ln such instances, the randomly distributed ends of thethreads are individually embedded in the material of the filler toinsure that the connection remains intact even if the bond between theliller and the liexible component proper should be weakened or destroyedfor a certain reason. For example, the threads may constitute areinforcing layer in a plastic flexible component or they may actuallyconstitute the entire llexible component, such as a hemp cord, a plasticrope, a braided wire cable, or the like.

ln accordance with another feature of my invention, a connectionincluding a hardened ller consisting of a material not capable of`forming a strong bond with the material of the flexible component mayinclude one or more elements whose material or materials may be firmlysecured both to the filler and to the tlexible component. Thus, suchtypes of connections establish an indirect bond between the filler andthe ilexible component or between the filler and a 4rigid component ifthe latters material, too, cannot -form a strong bond with :the filler.Such intermediate elements may consist of strips made of a syntheticplastic material which is capable of forming a strong connection withthe ller and with the respective component, of strips made of a textileor like material which may be penetrated by the materials of the tillerand of the respective component, or of a combination of such strips.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for .theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theinvention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the following detailed de scription of certainspecific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FlG. 1 Vis a partly elevational and partly sectional view of acollapsible seagoing container embodying two slightly diierent forms ofmy invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the connectionbetween the tubular flexible component and the rigid upper component ofthe container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the connection betweenthe tubular flexible component and the rigid lower component of thecontainer shown in FIG. 1;

FG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a connection between anon-reinforced tubular flexible component and a rigid component;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a connection between areinforced hollow spherical flexible component and a rigid component;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a connection between anon-reinforced hollow spherical exible cornponent and a rigid component;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary partly elevational and partly sectional View ofa modiiied container which comprises two tubular flexible components;

FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a connectionbetween two tubular llexible components and a rigid component;

FIG. 9 is a partly elevational and partly sectional view of a connectionbetween a rigid component and a cablelike liexible component;

FIG. is a fragmentary sectional view of a modified connection between arigid component and a cable-like flexible component; and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of la further connection betweena rigid component and a cable-like exible component.

Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, and rst to FIG. l,there is shown a collapsible container I which comprises a rst rigidcomponent A, a second rigid component B, and a ilexible component C. Theflexible component C assumes the form of la tubular body, preferably ofcircular cross sectional contour, Whose end portions 6a, 6b (see FIGS. 2and 3) are respectively secured and permanently bonded to the rigidcomponents A and B in accordance with two slightly different embodimentsof my invention. The connections between the cylindrical flexiblecomponent C and the rigid components A, B are of permanent nature, andare preferably fluid-tight so that the cargo chamber CC of the containerI may receive a liquid, pulverulent, granular or even gasiform material.In one of its preferred forms, the ilexible component C consists ofsynthetic plastic material which is reinforced by one or more inserts oflamentary material, e.g. textile fabrics whose threads respectivelyextend in longitudinal and circumferential directions of the flexiblecomponent. Alternately, the vreinforcing inserts in the exible componentC may consist of non-connected layers of alternating longitudinal andcircumferential threads which are embedded in a deformable syntheticplastic substance, e.g. polyvinyl chloride, polyamide artificial rubberor the like. The longitudinally extending threads take up tensional'stresses caused by the weight of the lower rigid component B, by theweight of the cargo contained in the chamber CC, vand eventually by thesuperatmospheric pressure of a gaseous substance lling the chamber CC.The circumferentially extending threads take up such stresses which tendVto expand the exible component C, i.e."the stresses produced by thepressure ofthe material received in the chamber CC. Of course, it isequally possible to reinforce the ilexible component C by diagonallyextending layers of threads or, if necessary, with longitudinally,circumferentially and diagonally-extending threads.

The rigid components A, B may consist entirely or in part of a syntheticplastic material, of metal, or even of wood. The rigid upper component Acomprises a substantially semispherical buoy or shell 1 which carries atits outer side a centrally located suspending device in the form of aneye 2 adapted to be engaged by the hook of a crane or anothertransporting means on which the container I is suspended during storage,transportation, filling of cargo, or evacuation of cargo. As is shown inFIG. 2, the annularlower end portion 1a of the shell 1V is spacedlysurrounded by an outer annular member 3v so that the annular portion 1aand the annular member 3 define between themselves an annularfiller-receiving space 4 adapted toV receive a hardened plastic body orller 5 whose material is of such nature as to adhere with very greatforce to the inner side ofthe annular member 3 as well as to the outerside of the annular portion 1a in orderV to rmly hold these parts in theposition of FIGS. l and 2 and to simultaneously retain the upper endportion 6a of Vthe ilexible component C so that the hardffiller 5constie tutes a connecting block between the rigid component A vand theflexiblecompone'nt C. In order to insure that the bond between thehardened plastic massr which constitutes the hard filler 5 andtheannular upper end portion 6a of the flexiblecomponent C will be capableof withstanding very high tensional stresses in the longitudinaldirection of the container I, it is preferred to extend the randomlydistributed upper ends 7a of the longitudinal reinforcing threads 7beyond the upper edge of the end portion 6a so that the projecting ends7a of the threads -7 are individuallyV embedded'in Vand are `bondedjtothe .ller 5. These longitudinal threads 7 extend the full length of theflexible component C. Of course, if the flex- Yof the cargo in thechamber CC and regardless of any other` longitudinal stresses which mayarise during transportation, storage or handling of the container I. Thematerial of the filler 5 and the length Vof the end portion 6a areselected by full consideration of the weight of the container I inloaded condition. Furthermore, the axial length of the space 4 is suchthat the length of projecting ends 7a of the threads 7 is suflicient toinsure a satisfactory bond between the ends 7a and the iiller 5 even ifthe direct connection between the ller and the flexible component -isweakened or destroyed. It will be readily understood that thecircumferential reinforcing threads (not shown in FIGS. 1-3) need notextend into the filler. 5.

l The connection between the lower rigid component B and the lowerannular end portion 6b of the flexible component is shown on a largerscale in FIG. 3. The lower component B comprises an inner annular memberSvwhich is of conical shape and which diverges in a direction toward theexible component C. This inner annular member '8 is spacedly surroundedby a suitably profiled outer annular member 9 so that the annularmembers' 8, 9 define between themselves an annular space 10 whichreceives a hard filler '11. The hardened .material of the illerll illsthe .annular space '10 all the Way from the open ends of the annularmembers 8, 9 which are adjacent to the end portion 6b and to theinwardly extending annular flange 9a of the outer annular member 9provided at that end of this annular member which is distant from theend portion 6b. The randomly distributed lower ends 'b of longitudinaland/ or diagonal reinforcing threads 7 extendV beyond the lower endportion 6b of the ilexible component C and are' firmly embedded inthe-hard filler 11. As shown, the

'radial width of the space l@ diminishes in a direction toward the lowerend portion 6b of the flexible component C so that the cross sectionofthe filler 11 assumes the. shape of a Wedge which also contributes toits retaining action by preventing the hardened filler from passingthrough the narrower upper end zone of the space 10 even if the fillershould become separatedfrom the inner side of the outer annular member 9or from the outer side of the inner` annular member 8. Since the weightVof the inner annular member 8 andthe weight Vof cargo contained in thelowermost zone of the chamcorne separated fromV the lower grid componentB. The

inner annular member S is subjected to radially outwardly directeddeforming stresses when the container I is suspendedron the eye 2;therefore, its thickness must vbe sufficient to withstand such'stressesunder all condi-- The rigid lower component B comprises a substantiallybuoy-shaped shell 12 whose open upper end portion is preferablyreleasably connected with the smaller-diameter end .of the inner annularVmember 8.' The connection lbetween the open end portion of the shell l2andthe inner annular member 8 comprises a clamping ringV .13 which is ofU-shaped cross sectional contour and whose exact constructionA andmounting will ,be .described in c? greater detail in connection withFIGS. 7 and 8, as Well as an annular gasket 14 which seals the cargochamber CC from the surrounding atmosphere in a plane l indicating theline of connection between the shell i2, and the inner annular member 8.The inwardly extending annular portions or arms of the clamping ring 13are received in complementary annular grooves provided in the parts 8and l2, and the gasket 14 is sufficiently cornpressed to prevent escapeof cargo or the entry of air along the plane i5. The clamping ring 13serves as a means for transmitting tensional stresses from the shell 12to the inner annular member d and thence to the exible component C.

The lowermost end of the shell l2 is formed with an opening i6 whichcommunicates with a preferably flexible pipe 17 serving as a means forfilling or evacuating the cargo chamber CC. The upper end of the pipe llcarries a rotary nut 18 which may be screwed onto an externally threadednipple i9 secured to the lowerrnost end of the shell l2 and definingtherewithin the aforementioned opening lo.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be readily understood that,particularly if the container I is comparatively small and if it isintended for the reception of lightweight cargo, i.e. a cargo with lowspecific weight, the outer annular members 3 and 9 may be dispensed withso that the strength of the permanent connection between the endportions 6a, 6b of the flexible component C and the rigid components A,B, respectively, depends solely on the strength of the bond between thefiller 5 and the shell portion la on the one hand, as well as betweenthe filler il and the inner annular member 3 on the other hand. Theouter annular member 3 in the connection of FlG. 2 serves an additionalpurpose of preventing deformation of the lower end portion la of theshell 1 in response to substantial pressures prevailing in the cargochamber CC because such deformation of the end portion 1A could producefissures in the ller 5 and would weaken or destroy the bond between thefiller 5 and the shell l. in addition, the outer annular members 3, 9are of great assistance during the introduction or" liquefied fillermaterial into the annular spaces il, it), respectively, by bounding theouter sides of these spaces so that the llers l, il may harden and mayassume the form of annuli with uniform cross sectional area. Thethickness of the inner annular member 8 in the connection of FIG. 3 issufficient to prevent deformation in response to internal pressures sothat the outer annular member 9 need not be dimensioned with a View toassist the companion member S in retaining its shape in actual use ofthe container.

FG. 4 illustrates a. modified connection which is often preferred in theevent that the tubular flexible component C1 is without a reinforcingfabric layer. The connection comprises an inner annular member 2) whichis shown in the form of a thick-walled cylinder, an outer annular member2l which is formed with an inwardly extending annular flange 2in andwhich defines with the inner annular member 2li an annular space Z2 fora hard tiller 23, the latter being of such nature as to adhere withgreat force to the outer side of the inner annular member 20 as Well asto the inner side of the outer annular member 2l. The end portion 24a ofthe flexible component C1 is assumed to be of such material that it doesnot form a good bond with the material of the ller 23. Therefore, theopposing sides of the end portion 24a are coated with plastic strips orbands 25, 25 which are capable of forming a good and strong bond withthe material of the flexible component C1. The exposed sides of thestrips 25, 26 are respectively coated with liners 2*?, 28 of textilematerial which, in turn, are firmly embedded in the filler 23. coatedwith liners 27, 2S, espectively, in a separate manufacturing step sothat the composite strips 25, 27 and 26, 23 may be bonded or Welded tothe end portion 24a For example, the strips 25, 26 may be in a firststep and may be embedded in the still plastic filler 23 in a subsequentstep. In such instances, the strips Z5, 2o may consist of the sameplastic material of which the flexible component C1 is made. It has beenfound that the bond between the exposed sides of the liners Z7, 28 andthe filler 23 is frequently sufficiently strong, particularly if thecontainer is comparatively small, so that the forces acting in thelongitudinal and/or circumferential direction of the flexible componentare within a permissible range, if the container is utilized for thereception of goods with a low specific weight, or if the flexiblecomponent C1 need not take up all longitudinal or circumferentialstresses. For example, the llexible component C1 may constitute aprotective outer or inner coat or wrapper for the actual or mainflexible component which latter is normally reinforced in a manner asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3 so that it can withstand substantial stresses inactual use of the container. Such external or internal Wrappers areoften desirable to prevent direct frictional contact of a solid objectwith the main flexible component or to provide a duid-tight outer orinner coat for the latter. Furthermore, the main flexible componentmight be strong enough to take up substantial longitudinal and/orcircumferential stresses but its material might be such that it cannotwithstand the action of certain solid, gaseous or liquid substances, cg. various chemicals. ln such instances, the main flexible compo nentmay be provided with an external wrapper, such as the flexible componentC1, whose composition is such that it can withstand the action ofaforementioned solid, gaseous or liquid substances. Of course, theflexible component C1 may also constitute an internal casing for themain flexible component'so as to prevent direct contact between the mainexible component and the cargo, to provide a thermal insulation betweenthe cargo and the main flexible component, or to form a huid-tight sealbetween the cargo and the main ilexible component.

The flexible component C1 may consist of soft polyvinyl chloride, ofpolyethylene or of a Similar Synthetic plastic substance. Certain ofthese substances cannot form permanent adhesive bonds with a number ofmaterials, eg. with the material of the filler 23, with the material ofthe inner annular member 2G, or with the material of the outer annularmember 21. On the other hand, it is often desirable to utilize aflexible component C1 (either as an external Wrapper for the mainflexible component or as an internal casing for the main flexiblecomponent) whose plasticity is so high that it cannot form asatisfactory bond with a filler or with a solid metallic or plasticbody, such as the annular member 2li or 2l.

It will be noted that the connection of FIG. 4 corresponds in manyrespects to the connection shown in FlG. 2 or 3. Thus, the filler Z3adheres to the adjacent sides of two rigid annular members 2d, 2l, andthe threads of the liners 27, 2% are bonded to the filler 23 as Well asto the end portion Een of the ilexible component C1. 0f course, it isequally possible to bond the liners Z7, 2S directly to the oppositesides of the end portion 24a, i.e. to omit the strips ZS, 2o, or toreplace the liners 27, 2S by strips consisting of felt or the like in amanner to be described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 8.However, it has been found that it is simpler to apply liners of atextile or like material to individual strips 2.5, 26 in a first Step,and to thereupon weld the strips 25, 25 to the end portion 24a in asubsequent step, either simultaneously with the introduction of thefiller 23 into gte annular space 22 or prior to the introduction of theler.

PEG. 5 illustrates a modiiied connection which is particularly suitablefor sealing an opening in a substantially spherical or semisphericalilexible component C2. For example, the llexible component C2 may formpart of a container which has a lower end formed by a rigid componentsimilar to the rigid component B of FIG. l. As shown in FG. 5, thesemispherical flexible component C2 Y out actually stitching the foldsto each other.

snr/e050 is formed with segmental portions or darts 30 whose overlappingedges are secured to each other by stitches 3l. Of course, it is equallypossible to simply form the cylindrical component with la number offolds or pleats with- The annular end portion 32a of the flexiblecomponent C2 which surrounds a substantially circular cutout thereinassumes the shape of a hollow cone and is received in an annular space35 formed between an inner annular member 33 and an outer annular member34. The inner annular member 33 is provided with a coaxial extension ornipple 33a which is formed with internal threads so as to receive lanexternally threaded plug 35 which includes a suspend- 'ing device in theform of an eye 37 serving las a means Vfor suspending 4the container onthe hook `of a crane or the like. Of course, the eye 37 represents butone of the many possible suspending devices for facilitating thehandling of the container.

The conically shaped annular members 33, 34 diverge outwardly in adirection away from the cylindrical nipple 33a which latter defines anopening 38 through which cargo may be introduced into or evacuated fromthe chamber CC defined by the eXible component C2.

will be noted that the outer ends of the annular members 33, 34Vconverge toward each other so that the cross sec- 'tional area (i.e. theradial dimension) of the space V35 decreases in a direction away fromthe opening 38. This space receives a tiller 39 consisting'of a hardenedsynthetic plastic substance 39 which adheres with .great @force totheadjacent sides of the annular members 33, r34 so that these annularmembers normally retain their positionwith respect to each other. Theannular end portion 32a of the liexible component C2, isV embedded inandbonded to the filler 39 so that it forms a rigid Vunit with the twoannular members. In order to insure that the connection Vof FIG. 5 maywithstand substantial ten- Y sional stresses, theends 40a of thereinforcing threads 40 inthe plastic material of the flexible componentC2 ,project in random distribution beyond the end Vportion 32a and arefirmly embedded in the hardened material :v of the iller 39 in a manneras fully described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3.

It will be noted that the smaller-diameter annular edge V.face 34a ofthe outer annular member 34 is outwardly inclined with respect to theperiphery of the nipple 33a i so as to form a comparatively narrowoutwardly diverging annular gap 41 which serves as an inlet during thepouring of liquefied plastic bonding material into the an- .nular space35 to form the ller 39. In forming the connection of FIG. it ispreferred to insert the end u portion 32a of the flexible component C2between the outer ends of the annular members 33, 34 in a first step,

vand to thereupon press the outer annular member 34 against the innerannular member 33 so that their largerdiameter ends sealingly engage theopposite sides of the flexible component C2. The liquefied plastic Visthen poured through the inlet 41 so that the annular space 35 and theyinlet 4l are completely filled. The liquefied plastic cannot escapefrom the space 35 because the ilexible component C2 is sealingly wedgedbetween the annular'members 33, 34. As the plasticV material sets toVform the filler 39, the hardened material in the inlet 4l forms anoutwardly diverging neck 39a and the inclined 'Y edge face 34a of theouter annular member 34 prevents any displacements of this annularVmember with respect to its companion member 33. Since the cross sectionof the filler 39 in a radial plane is similar to a wedge, the fillercannot be withdrawn in a direction away from the Y nipple 33a even ifits bond with the adjacent sides of the annular memlbers 33, 34 isterminated, i.e. the flexible Vvcomponent C2 will remain safelyconnected with' the annular members 33, 34 as long as its bond with theiiller 39 can withstand stresses acting in the direction of the arrow 42or circumferentially of the flexible component.

The plug 36 may be replaced by a faucet or a valve,

particularly if the cargo chamber CC is intended for reception of aliquid or pulverulent substance.

FIG. 6 illustrates a connection which is a combination 'of theconnections shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The flexible of the flexiblecomponent C3 are bonded to a pair of lplastic strips 44, 45 whosematerial may be the same as the material of the end portion 43a, i.e.the end portion 43a is capable of forming a very satisfactory bond withthe strips 44, 45. The outer sides of the strips 44, 45 are respectivelycoated with textile or like liners 46, 47 each of which is firmlyembedded in the material of the hardened ller 39. In this manner,V onecan obtain a very satisfactory connection between the non-reinforcedflexible component C3 and the rigid component including the annularmemlbers 33, 34 even though the material of the flexible componentcannot be welded directly to the filler 39. Of course, it is equallypossible to replace the composite strips 44, 45 and 45, 47 by singlestrips'of a plastic materialV which forms agood bond not only with thematerial of the flexible component C3 but any other substance which canresist deformation and which can withstand stresses arisingduringtransportation, handling or storage of a loaded container.

Referring now to FIG. 7, lthere is shown a portion of a'collapsiblecontainer Il which comprises essentially a rigid upper component A4, YaVmain flexible component C4, and a rigid lower component Bf, whichlatter is assumed to consist of a disc-shaped plate so that the con- Ytainer Il may be supported on the ground. The container furthercomprises a second flexible component 50 which constitutes aninternallining for the main flexible component C4. ln the embodimentof-FlG. 7, not only the main flexible component C4 but its flexibleliner Si), too, is

formed Vwith one or more layers of reinforcing textile material so thatthe lining Sil is capable of taking up substantialy longitudinal andcircumferential stresses and that the kcomposite flexible component C4,50constitutesa very strong wall for the cargo chamber CC.

The rigid upper componentrAg comprises a main body portion in the formof a Vhollow conical shell or buoyV Y 51 whose larger-diameter end isintegral with and sealed Vby a convex or semispherical end wall orbottom 52. The

shell 5l is coaxially traversed by a pipe 53 which communicates with thecargo chamber CCV and Whose upper Yend ispconnected to a threaded nipple54 serving as a means for retaining one end of a hose 55 which is con-`nectable to a source Vof cargo so that the cargo may be introduced into.or evacuated from the chamber CC by flowing through the interior Vofthe pipe 53 and through the hose 55. The pipe 53, the 'conical shell 5l,and the latters Vconvex endwall 52 define between themselves"a'fluid-tight compartment 56 which may be iilled with air or withVanother'gas inrorder Vto increase the buoyancy of the container Il ifthe container is utilized as a partly or fully submerged seagoingreceptacle for `large quantities of cargo in a manner as disclosed in mycopending application Serial No. 684,813 for Floating Tank. In suchinstances, the hose 55 may simultaneously serveV as a cable forconnecting the containerll to a watercraft and for moving the containerin the direction indicated by the arrow 57.Y

The frigid upper component A4 further comprises a Y substantiallyconical outer annularmember 5S and a sub- Y sarebbe stantially conicalinner annular member 59, these annular members serving as a means forretaining between themselves the upper end portion 6th: of the mainflexible component C4. The outer annular member S is connected with areinforced zone 5in of the shell Si which is provided at the junction ofthis shell with the convex bottom 52. To that end, the reinforced zoneSla and the outer side ot' the outer annular member 58 are respectivelyformed with` annular grooves 6l, d2 to receive the inwardly extendingannular flanges or arms at the opposite ends of a clamping or retainingring 63. Thus, the clamping ring 63 transmits tensional stresses fromthe outer annular member 5S to the shell Si, and vice versa.

The annular members S3, 59 detine between themselves an annular space 64which receives a filler e5 whose hardened material forms a strong bondwith the adjacent sides of the annular members S3, 59. lt will be notedthat the upper portion of the annular space 64 is bounded by corrugatedor otherwise roughened walls so as to insure a more rm connectionbetween the hard filler 65 and the annular members 5S, 59. In addition,the conically diverging annular space 64 is of meandering crosssectional contour which also contributesto a firmer engagement betweenthe iiller 65 and the annular members 5S, S? not only by increasing thetotal area of contact but also by insuring that the hard iller 65remains in the space 64 even if its bond with the one or the other ofannular members 58, 59 is terminated. The upper end portion 69a of themain flexible component C4 is iirmly embedded in the lowermost zone ofthe ller 6d, whereas the ends 66a of the reinforcing textile threads 66project beyond the end portion 69a and are permanently embedded in theupper zone of the liller 65. Such configuration of the filler ed and ofthe space ed insures a very satisfactory connection between the annularmembers 5?, 59 and the ilexible component C4 which is strong enough tosuccessfully withstand very large stresses which might arise if aheavily loaded container is towed in turbulent waters. Of course, and asmentioned hereinabove, the reinforcing layer or layers 66 need notextend only longitudinally of the tlexible component C@ but may extenddiagonally thereto as well as in circumferential direction to assist theflexible component in withstanding substantial expanding forces.

When the clamping ring 63 is removed to permit a separation of the shell51 from the outer annular member 58, the aperture within the innerannular member 59 may serve as a manhole to provide access to the cargochamber CC, for example, for inspecting the condition or the lining Si),for facilitating the cleaning of the lining 50 in the event that thechamber CC is about to receive a diierent cargo, for facilitating morerapid filling of the cargo chamber, for facilitating more rapidevacuation of the cargo chamber, or for any other reason.

The slight radial gap 67 between the shell 5l and the annular member 58is sealed by an annular gasket d which is inserted into suitable annularnotches of the reinforced zone Sla and of the inner annular member 59.This gasket ed may consist of a rubber-like material, of a resilientsynthetic plastic substance, or it may assume the form of a hydraulic orpneumatic seal of any known design..

A third or innermost annular member 69 of U-shaped cross sectionalcontour is provided adjacent to the inner side of the inner annularmember 59 to serve as a means for connecting the upper end portion 56aof the lining S@ with the rigid component A4. The end portion Stiaextends into the downwardly opening annular space within the innermostannular member 69 which contains a filler '7d consisting of a hardenedmaterial adapted to form a :firm bond with the inner sides of the member69. As shown, the ends 'a of the reinforcing layer or layers 71 in thelining Sti extend beyond the end portion 5ba and are rmly embedded inthe hard iiller 7d. The connection between the annular members 5%, 69consists of an annular gasket 72 which simultaneously seals the narrowgap between the adjacent sides of the annular members 59, 69 so that theintermediate space S between the main iiexible component C4 and itslining Sti is sealed from the atmosphere. Of course, a strongerconnection between the annular members 59, 69 might become necessary ifthe lining 5b? Ais called upon to take up substantial longitudinaland/or circumferential stresses. it will be readily understood that, inthe event that the intermediate space S between the iiexible componentC4 and its lining 5) need not be sealed from the cargo chamber CC andfrom the atmosphere, the gasket 72 may be replaced by a conventionalsnap ring or the like.

The connection between the rigid lower component B and the lower endportions of the iiexible components C4, S@ may be the same as theconnection of these flexible components with the rigid upper componentA4.

PEG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the connectionbetween the rigid upper component A4 land the main iiexible componentC4, further showing the connection bet-Ween the rigid component A4 and aslightly different lining 75. This lining is not reinforced and,therefore, its connection with the inverted U-shaped innermost annularmember 69 is preferably of the type as shown in FGS. 4 and 6. Thus, theopposing sides of the end portion 75a forming part of the lining 75 arecoated with two strips 76, '77 consisting of felt, of a textile or likematerial, and these strips are permanently embedded in the material ofthe hard filler 7h. It will be noted that the lower ends of the twoconcentric portions forming part of the innermost annular member d arebent toward each other, as at 73 and '79, so as to prevent completewithdrawal of the tiller 7b even if this filler should become separatedfrom the adjacent sides of the annular member 69. As clearly shown inFIG. 8, the inwardly bent portion 7S of the annular member 69simultaneously provides a seat for a snap ring Si) which holds theinnermost annular member 69 in position with respect to the innerannular member 59.

FlG. 8 illustrates in greater detail the corrugated walls V8l., S2 ofthe annular space 64 which receives the iiller 65. These wallscontribute to the retaining action of the annular members 5S, S9 andthis retaining action is further enhanced owing to the fact that thecross Sectional area of the annular space 64 diminishes in a directiontoward the lower edges of the annular members 58, S9, i.e. that thefiller d5 acts as a wedge and lirmly holds the ends 71a of reinforcingthreads 7i in order to provide a safe and strong connection between themain exible component C4 and the rigid upper component A4. lt will benoted that FG. 8 shows a connection wherein only the thread ends 71a areembedded in the iiller 65 though Vit is normally preferred .to provideat least sporadic direct Contact -between the iller and the llexiblecomponent.

The connection between the feltor textile strips 76, 77 and the endportion '75a of the lining 75 may be established by heating the materialof the end portion 75a to such an extent that it becomes plastic and bysimultaneously pressing the plasticized lining against the strips sothat the material of the lining at least partially penetrates the poresof the strips 76, 77, whereupon the strips are embedded in the filler'70. The gasket 6g simultaneously seals the cargo chamber CC and theintermediate space S between .the flexible component C4, and its lining7S against the entry of atmospheric air.

FIG. 9 illustrates a connection between a rigid component A5 and aiiexible component C5, the latter assuming the form of a cable or ropeand serving as a suspending device to replace the eye 2 shown in FIG. 1or the eye 37 of FIG. 5. The rigid component A5 may constitute the upperend plate of a collapsible container lll of the type described in fulldetail in my aforementioned copending application Serial No. 684,813.The rigid component A5 is formed with an inclined conical -on the hookV89 of a crane or the like.

Yand on the flexible component C5.

Y tion from the upper toward the lower side of the com- -ponent A5. Thespace 85 receives a hard tiller 86 which -serves as a means forconnecting the end portion 87a of the flexible component C to the rigidcomponent A5.

The acute angle a enclosed by the axis 88 of the conical space 85 andthe upper side of the rigid component A5 is selected in such a way thatthe exible corn- 'ponent C5 need not be flexed at the point where itemerges from the space 85 to pass toward and to be suspended The wall ofthe space 85 at the upper side of the rigid component A5 is rounded, asat 90, to insure that the flexible component C5 cannot be worn away ifits inclination with respect to the upper side of the rigid component A5assumes an angle other than the angle a.

It is preferred to provide the end portion 87a of the flexible componentC5 with a deformable sleeve 91 whose diameter is larger than thediameter of the upper end fof the space 85 ,(within the rounded wallportion 90) so that the sleeve 91 actually seals one end of this spacewhen it assumes the position of FIG. 9. In the next step,

Y.a liquefied synthetic resin is poured into the space 85 to Vform theller 86 and to provide a firm bond between the rigid* component A5 andthe exible component C5. If Vthe viscosityof the liquefied resin is solow that it can penetrate into the material of the end portion 87a, itis 4advisable torpermeate the endvportion 87a with a substance whichrepels the resin and which prevents ex- Acessive hardening of theflexible component in the space S5. For example, the end portion 85a'may be immersed ,in paraine before being inserted into the space 85.

An important advantage of the connection shown in FIG. 9 is that thehard filler S6 may be removed by drilling in the event that the exiblecomponent C5 requires replacement. Upon insertion of a new flexiblecomponent, the space S5 may be refilled with a synthetic resin ,oranother filler material so that the container comprising the rigidcomponent A5, the main flexible component 92,

`and the non-illustrated second rigid component may be put to reneweduse. Y FIG. illustrates a slightly modified connectionbe- Vtween adifrerent rigid component A5 and a flexible cornponent C5 which latteragain asumes the form of a cable or rope forming a part of orconstituting the entire suspending device for a container. -The rigidcomponent A5 assumes the form of an end plate which comprises asubstantially disc-shaped or polygonal portion 95 and a downwardlyextending collar like portion 95a. The end portion 96a of the flexiblecomponents C5 is received in aV deformable sleeve 97 which has a tight tin an aperture 9S `provided in the portion 95 of the rigid component A5.The aperture98^is bounded by a rounded wall 99 Which prevents excessiveWear and tear on the sleeve 97 As shown, ythe randomly distributed ends109 of the threads or wires of f which the iexible component C5 consistsproject beyond the end portion 96a andare embedded in a hard ller 15111which adheres to the inner side of the collar a and preferably also tothe underside of the portion 95. Of course,

the end portion 96a cannot be withdrawn from the aperture 98 in adirection indicated by'the arrow 102 even if the ller 101 does notadhere to the rigid component A5; however, it is normally preferred toprovide a strong Vperpendicular .to the plane of the portion 95, i.e.the Vangle enclosed by the upper side of the rigid component A5 and theflexible component C5 is 90 degrees.

The rigid components of FIGS. 9 and 10 consist of a synthetic plasticmaterial, e.g. a polyester which is reinforced by glass fibers. Ofcourse, and as stated before, the rigid components mayfalso consistofmetal, of Wood 'arising during the storage, handling orltransportation ofV the container.

. A very important advantage of the ilexible connections shown in FIGS.2-6 and 8-10 is that they maybe formed at an extremely low cost and alsothat they need not include any mechanical parts such as chains, eyes,screws, shackles, thimbles or the like. Furthermore, the novelconnections insure an organic bond between the flexible component andthe rigid component, i.e. each thread or wire 11W of the connectionshown, for example, in FIG. 10 is organically bonded to the filler 161and hence to the rigid component A5. The exible components C5, C5 mayconsist of synthetic plastic material, of hemp or of steel wire, and maybe utilized not only as suspending devices for a container but also as ameans for maintaining a container in collapsed condition or forconnecting two or more containers to each other.

Referring finally to FIG. ll, there is shown a further connectionbetween a cable-like flexible component C, and a rigid component A. Thelatter comprises two suitably profiled members or shells 105, 106 whichmay be permanently or releasably secured to each other to form asubstantially disc-shaped or polygonal end plate for a collapsiblecontainer. The outer shell 105 is formed with an aperture 167 whichsealingly receives a sleeve 108 disposed about the lower end portion1tl9a of the flexible component C5. The sleeve 16S consists of adeformable synthetic plastic or like material, and its lower end isembedded in the hard filler which forms a block and whose configurationis such as to abut at least two mutually inclined sides of the rigidcomponent A7. As shown, the shells 105, 196 define between themselves anannular space 111 which accommodates the filler 110.

kThe filler abuts against the inner side of the shell 105 andV againstthe inner side of the latters downwardly extending peripheralcollarltla. In addition, the length of the filler 11) is selected in such away that it abuts against the upper side of the shell 106 in the space111 so that the vfiller is held against movements in the space 111 evenif it should become separated from the shell 105 or even it its materialwere such that it could not form a good bond with the material of therigid component A7. As shown, the randomly distributed threads. or Wires112 of the exible component C7 project beyond the lower end ofthesleeve108 and are embedded in the hardened filler 110 so that theflexible component is lintegrally connected With the filler and is thusanchored in the rigid component'Aq since the filler cannot be withdrawnfrom the space 1.11 excepting upon complete separation from the tiexiblecomponent. It will be seen that it is not always necessary to actuallybond the ller to the rigid component as, long as the filler is safelyanchored in the latter, either by providing a conical space for thefiller or by inserting the yfiller into a space of such configurationthat the filler cannot be displaced when .the container is in use.However, it is always necessary to provide a permanent bond betweenV theflexible component and the filler, regardless of Whether the flexiblecomponent assurnes the shape of a tubular body or the shape of a cable.Y It will be 'readily understood that the configuration of the shell 106shown in FIG; 1l may be such as to provide a space 111 of an 'area equalto or more closely approxnnating the configuration Vor' the filler 110,i.e. Vthat the filler may completely ll this space.

The ller which is described thereabove according toV Moreover thisfiller may `beby applying current knowledge, readily adapt it forvarious applications without omitting features that, from the standpointof prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of theVgeneric and speciiic aspects of this invention and, therefore, suchadaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within themeaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A tension-resistant suspending arrangement comprising a rigidcomponent dening an annular space; a hard plastic body received in saidannular space and bonded to the rigid component; and a tubular exiblecomponent having an annular end portion extending into said annularspace and permanently embedded in said hard plastic body so that saidplastic body acts as sole tension transmitting means between andprevents separation of said components, said tiexible componentcomprising at least one reinforcing layer consisting of threads havingends projecting beyond said end portion, at least some of said endsindividually embedded in said plastic body.

2. In a container, a twin tension-resistant suspending arrangementcomprising a rigid component including an outer annular member, andinner annular member within and deiining with said outer annular memberan annular space; a tubular exible component having an end portionextending into said space; a hard plastic body received in said annularspace and adhering to said annular members, said end portion permanentlyembedded in said hard plastic body so that said plastic body acts assole tension transmitting means between and prevents separation of saidcomponents; an innermost annular member disposed within and secured tosaid inner annular member, said innermost annular member dening a secondannular space; a second tubular exible component disposed within saidfirst mentioned ilexible component and having an end portion extendinginto said second annular space; and a second hard plastic body receivedin said second annular space and adhering to said innermost annularmember, said last mentioned end portion permanently embedded in saidsecond plastic body so that Said second plastic body acts as soletension transmitting means between said second flexible component andsaid rigid component.

3. A suspending arrangement as set forth in claim 2, wherein at leastone of said flexible components comprises at least one layer of threadshaving ends projecting beyond the respective end portion, said endsindividually embedded in the respective plastic body.

4. A suspending arrangement as set forth in claim 2, wherein the radialdimension of at least one of said plastic bodies increases in adirection away from the respective flexible component so that said oneplastic body is wedged between the respective annular members when therespective ilexible component is subjected to tensional stresses in adirection to Withdraw its end portion from said one plastic body.

5. ln a container, a tension-resistant suspending arrangement comprisinga rigid component including a conically diverging irst annular memberand a conically diverging second annular member, said annular membersdening between themselves a conically diverging annular space; a hardplastic body received in said annular space and adhering to at least oneof said annular members; and a tubular leXible component comprising atubular end portion extending into said annular space and permanentlyembedded in said hard plastic body'so that said plastic body acts assole tension transmitting means between and prevents separation of saidcomponents, said liexible component further comprising reinforcingthreads projecting beyond said end portion and individually embedded insaid plastic body.

6. A towable floating container comprising, in combination, a tubularflexible cover member; a rst and a second rigid end component eachdisposed adjacent one of the ends of said tubular .flexible covermember, at least one of said rigid end components including an outerannular member and an inner annular member located within said outerannular member, said outer and inner annular members dening an annularspace therebetween; and a hard bonding body positioned in said annularspace and firmly bonded to the walls thereof and to the end portion ofsaid tubular flexible cover member, said tubular iexible cover memberhaving embedded therein lengthwise reinforcing threads, said threadshaving free ends protruding from the ends of said tubular exible covermember and being rmly anchored in said hard bonding body.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 592,899 1.1/97Willson 2815--239 2,180,960 l l/ 39 Kennedy 285-238 2,329,966 9/43Wiggins 220-81 X 2,476,446 7/49 Lndell 220--67 X 2,477,852 8/49 Bacon154-45.9 2,725,087 1l/55 Potter 15G- 0.5 2,751,109 6/56 Moore 220--802,899,103 8/59 Ebert 220--91 X 2,951,613 9/60 Hardigg 220-80 X 2,952,3789/60 Renslow 220--5 2,978,004 4/ 61 Smith 220--24 X 3,043,465 7/ 62Horner 220-80 X FOREIGN PATENTS 704,473 3/41 Germany.

THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner, EARLE I. DRUMMOND, Examiner.

1. A TENSION-RESISTANT SUSPENDING ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A RIGIDCOMPONENT DEFINING AN ANNULAR SPACE; A HARD PLASTIC BODY RECEIVED INSAID ANNULAR SPACE AND BONDED TO THE RIGID COMPONENT; AND A TUBULARFLEXIBLE COMPONENT HAVING AN ANNULAR END PORTION EXTENDING INTO SAIDANNULAR SPACE AND PERMANENTLY EMBEDDED IN SAID HARD PLASTIC BODY SO THATSAID PLASTIC BODY ACTS AS SOLE TENSION TRANSMITTING MEANS BETWEEN ANDPREVENTS SEPARATION OF SAID COMPONENTS, SAID FLEXIBLE COMPONENTCOMPRISING AT LEAST ONE REINFORCING LAYER CONSISTING OF THREADS HAVINGENDS PROJECTING BEYOND SAID END PORTION, AT LEAST SOME OF SAID ENDSINDIVIDUALLY EMBEDDED IN SAID PLASTIC BODY.